The 14th edition of the CavinKare-MMA ChinniKrishnan Innovation Awards was held at IIT Madras Research Park Auditorium, recognizing three innovative ventures for their practical solutions with high social and market impact. The awards, instituted in 2011 in memory of late R ChinniKrishnan, are organized annually by CavinKare and the Madras Management Association (MMA). Each winner receives Rs 1 lakh, a trophy, a citation, and access to CavinKare’s industry expertise.
This year’s winners were Avay Biosciences, Dhanvantri Biomedical Pvt Ltd, and Urdhvam Environmental Technologies Pvt Ltd. Avay Biosciences was recognized for developing a full-stack 3D bioprinting and AI platform that reduces the reliance on animal testing in drug discovery. The innovation creates patient-derived 3D tissue models that mimic human organs and predict drug responses with high accuracy. The company aims to develop artificial organs that can be fitted in the human body.
Dhanvantri Biomedical Pvt Ltd was honored for its Sahayatha Wheelchair, the world’s first wheelchair to integrate a toilet, cleaning system, and water storage. According to the WHO, over 30 million people require wheelchairs, and the Sahayatha Wheelchair addresses the gap in patient care with a built-in hygienic cleaning system and discreet waste collection. The wheelchair is designed for patients with spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s, accident recovery, and elderly care.
Urdhvam Environmental Technologies Pvt Ltd was recognized for its patented Bore Charger, a robotic tool that revives low-yielding or dry borewells by directly recharging aquifers with rainwater. The system improves both water yield and quality without requiring major construction or maintenance. The innovation aims to address the problem of farmers’ income linked to domestic water issues and has already provided water to over 13 lakh people.
The CavinKare-MMA ChinniKrishnan Innovation Awards have recognized 39 early-stage ventures across India over the years, and this year’s winners were selected for their uniqueness, scalability, and social impact. The awards aim to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, and the winners will receive support and guidance from CavinKare’s industry experts to take their innovations to the next level.